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Dualchas – Sunart Heritage Group

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SUNART HERITAGE CENTRE & COMMUNITY SPACE

Dualchas – Sunart Heritage Group formed in January 2022 with our main aim being to preserve, protect and showcase the vast heritage of Sunart district. We are a sub-group of Sunart Community Company.

It is our hope to create a permanent site where our heritage can be stored and showcased, ensuring continuation for generations to come.

MAY 2024 UPDATE

We know this is taking some time, but things are progressing! Having agreed a purchase price with the Church of Scotland for the building, we have now learnt that it is 99% likely that in fact the graveyard is owned by Highland Council. Accordingly we have progressed a “Community Asset Transfer “ request and have outline agreement that the land will be transferred to us later this year, if and when the church building is purchased. The Community Company has raised £1,000 towards these legal fees, and has also submitted an application to the Scottish Land Fund to buy the church.

We will not know the result of this until late August, but if successful, the funding will also allow us to employ a part time Project Officer to manage the fundraising and refurbishment of the building. If you are interested in being on a joint Dualchas/SCC Steering Group to oversee initial repairs to and then refurbishment of the church and upkeep of the graveyard – then please let us know so we can contact you in the Autumn.

Background:

The 2014 community survey showed support for a Heritage Centre in Sunart to house and interpret the ‘Sunart Archive’ and provide a focal point for those interested in preserving and promoting local history and culture. The Strontian Parish Church building is to be disposed of in the next 12 months. The Sunart Community Company and Dualchas – Sunart Heritage Group are hoping to acquire it and with grant support, refurbish the building, preserving a piece of local history (and associated graveyard) but also to create a modern archive and exhibition space, and a small function room suitable for regular worship and small events.

A feasibility study was conducted this winter to test financial viability. View the report here.

We are working closely with local historians as well as the current keeper of the Sunart Archives 
 
Our Facebook page is where we will keep you up to date with our progress and any projects we have underway.

To find out more, or get in touch with us directly, please email: dualchas-sunartheritage@hotmail.com